The Little Retail Space That Could

Istanbul, the only city that geographically spans across two worlds at once, happens to also possess a unique collection of grand mega malls. Bağdat Caddesi reigns supreme on the Asian side of Turkey while Galleria stands as the country’s first shopping center. With the expansive mix of massive retail centers, it’s only natural to discern that in order to be noticed, echoes of the mantra, “the bigger the better” can be heard.

Cut to Kozzy, an enclosed shopping center with the site area of a mere 14,610 square meters that is nestled in a high-density residential area of Istanbul. The environment and context of a place can sometimes express what type of project it needs, demands. Kozzy stands as a realized extension of its neighborhood that gives residents every part of what they have asked for.

Designed by California international firm 5+design, Kozzy has become a staple within the area that features 65 international and domestic retailers, indoor and outdoor restaurants and cafes, a 400-seat performing arts theatre, an art exhibition center, nine-screen cinema, a grocery store and a 260-space underground parking garage.

5+design took advantage of Kozzy’s residential setting and connected the shopping center to the neighborhood beyond.

The project pales in comparison to its giant counterparts but what it lacks in size, it makes for up in character and form.